JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Defense Department officials have set a goal of collecting 1.5 million pounds of nonperishable food and household products during this year's annual voluntary food drive known as "Feds Feed Families."
At Joint Base Charleston, there will be a food container placed at the JB Charleston - Weapons Station chapel. "All donations will go to the LowCountry Food Bank," said Navy Chaplain Lt.) John Quay from the 628th Air Base Wing. "Additionally, many commands on the Weapons Station will have internal food drives in support of "Feds Feed Families."
According to 1st Lt. Jennifer Swann, JB Charleston - Air Base project coordinator, collection boxes will soon be appearing at the Air Base commissary, Exchange, gym, and Wing Headquarters building .
Paige Hinkle-Bowles, deputy assistant defense secretary for civilian personnel policy, told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service the drive happens every summer to help in filling shelves emptied by the seasonal shortages food banks experience. The 2012 effort runs through August.
"We think it's important for Department of Defense personnel to contribute. It's an opportunity for us to show that we are public servants and we are part of the community, and want that opportunity to give back," Hinkle Bowles said.
Hinkle-Bowles noted children who normally participate in the federal school lunch program may face hunger when they're out of school for the summer. And when people take vacations, she added, they may not be making the donations that they generally would.
"Our goal would be that anyone within the total force who has access and capability to contribute ... will do so," Hinkle-Bowles said. "If every individual, military or civilian, contributes just one pound of food, we will far surpass any goals that we have set for ourselves this year."
For more information, or if your command would like to contribute, contact Lt. Quay at 764-7222, ext. 18 or on the Air Base, contact 1st Lt. Jennifer Swann at 963-6843.